John T. Colman

It is with great sadness that we announce John T. Colman, age 82, was called home to the Lord on February 6, 2026.

John was born on October 28, 1943, in Derry, New Hampshire, the son of the late Maurice Glidden Colman and Helen June (Robie) Colman. He grew up in Chester, New Hampshire, where he was one of five children.

John was a proud graduate of Pinkerton Academy in Derry, Class of 1961. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably during the Vietnam War. John served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier and was also stationed in Adak, Alaska. In 1964, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Radioman Seaman, serving as a communications specialist.

Upon returning home, John continued his life of service as a firefighter and EMT, first with the Town of Derry and later with the Town of Chester. He went on to build a long and dedicated professional career as a truck driver, beginning with St. Johnsbury Trucking Company and concluding with Walmart in Raymond, New Hampshire. John was also a proud member of the Teamsters Union.

Deeply committed to his community, John served for many years as a trustee of the Great Hill Cemetery in Chester-a role that held special meaning for him, as his connection began in childhood when he helped his father with cemetery maintenance. He also served as a trustee for both the Chester Fire Department and the Town of Chester.

On December 8, 2013, John married his soulmate, Lorraine "Nancy" Bowley, whom he had known since his school days. Nancy, a friend of John's sister, predeceased him on May 16, 2023. John was also previously married to Charlotte Parker, to whom he was devoted until her passing in June of 2010.

John had a lifelong love of travel and was an avid fisherman. It was not unusual for him to begin fishing at 4:00 a.m. and return home as late as 10:00 p.m. He fished extensively, including trips into Canada, and held a particularly special place in his heart for Alaska-where he last traveled with his cousin Linda as recently as September, 2025.

John is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Ellen Colman of Bow, New Hampshire; his sister, Deborah Groce of Londonderry, New Hampshire; his sons, Mike and Darryl; his grandson, Taylor; his stepdaughter, Kim Gauthier, and her husband Tom; many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren; and generations of nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours.

A memorial service will be held on Monday February 23rd at 2:30pm at the Epping Community Church, 4 Pleasant Street, Epping, New Hampshire. Interment with military honors will take place in the spring at Great Hill Cemetery in Chester.

Flowers are acceptable, or donations may be made in John's memory to the Chester Fire Department, 27 Murphy Drive, Chester, NH 03036 or at https://www.chesternh.org/fire-department

www.brewittfuneralhome.com